The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Anvil \An"vil\, n. [OE. anvelt, anfelt, anefelt, AS. anfilt,
   onfilt; of uncertain origin; cf. OHG. anafalz, D. aanbeld.]
   1. An iron block, usually with a steel face, upon which
      metals are hammered and shaped.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Anything resembling an anvil in shape or use. Specifically
      (Anat.), the incus. See Incus.
      [1913 Webster]

   To be on the anvil, to be in a state of discussion,
      formation, or preparation, as when a scheme or measure is
      forming, but not matured. --Swift.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Anvil \An"vil\, v. t.
   To form or shape on an anvil; to hammer out; as, anviled
   armor. --Beau. & Fl.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

anvil
    n 1: a heavy block of iron or steel on which hot metals are
         shaped by hammering
    2: the ossicle between the malleus and the stapes [syn: incus,
       anvil]

Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:

57 Moby Thesaurus words for "anvil":
   Eustachian tube, alembic, auditory apparatus, auditory canal,
   auditory meatus, auditory nerve, auditory ossicles, auditory tube,
   auricle, basilar membrane, bony labyrinth, caldron,
   cauliflower ear, cochlea, conch, concha, crucible, drumhead, ear,
   ear lobe, eardrum, endolymph, engine, external ear, hammer, incus,
   inner ear, lathe, lobe, lobule, lug, machine, malleus,
   mastoid process, melting pot, middle ear, mortar, motor,
   organ of Corti, outer ear, oval window, perilymph, pinna, retort,
   round window, secondary eardrum, semicircular canals, shell,
   stapes, stirrup, test tube, transducer, transformer,
   tympanic cavity, tympanic membrane, tympanum, vestibule



Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary:

Anvil
   the rendering of the Hebrew word , "beaten," found only in Isa.
   41:7.